Tag: Master Lo Feng

This week, Lynn at Lynn’s Book Blog is our host. We’re covering Chapters 75-END, so be prepared for spoilers below!

1. Moirin has come a long way since we first met her. How do you think her adventures have changed her if at all – does anything stand out in particular?

Moirin went from an untutored wilderness buff to this somewhat well-travelled (for the time) linguistic royal companion. One of the things I really like about her story arc is that she started off not even concerned with her fate, then met the great Maghuin Dhonn Bear, and started searching for her fate, believing it was tied to love (and most likely a man), only to eventually set that idea aside and go for the adventure, and then finally, at the very end,to have her fate literally tied to a man as she shared her bear-soul to save him. I like that she was independent of the notion that her fate was tied to another person for a while, and grew comfortable with that thought, even if in the end of this book, she is clearly tied to another.

2. I was hit by how far Moirin’s magical abilities have come along, I don’t think I particularly expected it to be honest – why do you think that might be?

From my previous reading, I did recall that this book had more magic in it than the previous D’Angeline novels. I like that Moirin’s gifts are few but she makes the most of them, and thereby, does some pretty big important things. She can quicken plants, talk to plants, even sing flower bulbs to sleep, call the twilight and disappear and in the twilight talk to spirits including demons and dragons. Yet she doesn’t rely solely on them – there’s her archery skills and her horsemanship keeps improving. She never stops learning and that includes learning what more she can do with her few gifts.

3. Looking back through the story it feels like most aspects had a bearing on the final outcome, do you think Moirin’s path is really set in stone or does she have the ability to change things?

No. She’s been given several choices throughout the tale. Yet her own personality kind of has her trapped on a certain path. She’s a people pleaser. She wants to help people but she also desires their approval and (from some) their attention. The Great Bear gave her choices, never forcing her, but Moirin couldn’t bear to have her bear-soul thingy (sorry, I know the spelling is tricky on diathanam – haha! and there’s my attempt) fade out. Throughout the book we’ve seen her own personality trap her into making the same decision over and over again most of the time – with Cillian, with Raphael, with Jehanne, with Master Lo, with Bao. She is becoming more discerning and picking better allies and friends along the way. Her personality is her hidden strength but it is also makes her choices predictable most of the time. Her little note to Jehanne abut Raphael for that last summoning is a good example of when she does something unexpected.

4. Do you feel that Moirin’s actions will have an impact on the Maghuin Dhonn in any way?

Well, more people are getting to know them through her and she’s definitely made a favorable impression with nearly everyone and so many of those people have been influential leaders in their own countries. If nothing else, her adventures will make it a little easier for the Maghuin Dhonn to travel in Terre D’Ange.

5. Were you surprised by the final chapters with Lo and Bao and the overall reaction of Bao?

I had totally forgotten about this ending, so it caught me off guard…. again! It’s tough on Moirin but I can also see Bao’s point. Choice is really important to him. He had no choice in his heritage (nor do any of us) but that violent, brief union between his parents has had a lot of negative consequences for him. As he points out to Moirin, even when he was a peach bottom boy, it was his choice. And yet it wasn’t like Master Lo or Moirin could ask Bao his thoughts on the matter.

Also, I think the event made some things crystal to Bao and that’s why he set off to try to find his Tartar father. He died once without having known much about have his heritage. I’m not sure what he expects to find, but he might not be sure either.

6. We know that Moirin is about to set off an another journey as this book ends. Any predictions, hopes or fears for what is to come next?

I do recall bits and pieces of the next book. I won’t spoil anything but I will leave you with this one image: warm mare’s milk. Yum! or not…

Other Tidbts:

I really like how Moirin ended up using her gift to find a hidden thing.

The read along continues withNaamah’s Kiss, Book 1 of Moirin’s trilogy! Everyone is welcome to join in. Here is the SCHEDULE for the read along.

This week, Allie at Tethyan Books is our host. We’re covering Chapters 61-74, so be prepared for spoilers below!

1) We’ve finally met Snow Tiger! What do you make of her and her relationship with Moirin? Does anything stand out in particular?

Snow Tiger is pretty determined to do the right thing. She’s breaking so many ingrained customs – defying her husband, traveling in disguise with thugs and a bi-sexual D’Angeline/Alban/Maghuin Dhonn royal. She’s totally stepping out of her comfort zone as well.

And once again we see that Moirin makes a good, calming companion for our most noble Snow Tiger. She’s gently guiding Snow Tiger in how to behave outside of her servants and loyal followers. Snow Tiger will be a better person for this adventure.

2) The dragon is a surprising new addition to the cast. What do you think he’ll do when he is free? Will he really help in the civil war?

I honestly forget what happens with our dragon companion. I know very little about Chinese dragon mythology but if I recall correctly, they were often associated with natural phenomenon – both good and bad. If your water dragon was unhappy, lakes and streams would dry up. If your wind dragon was happy, you’d have smooth sailing. So I keep waiting to see what major natural disaster his freeing can rectify. We have civil unrest but no major drought, flooding, or hurricanes yet, right?

I think he must be key to the civil war in some way. This is a Jacqueline Carey novel, after all! Black Sleeve went to all the effort to ‘cage’ the dragon in a human body, so I bet he doesn’t want him free once again.

3) What do you think of the Path of Dharma, as described by Master Lo Feng? What path would you prefer to follow?

I’m seeing similarities in Moirin’s character and Phedre’s character in that strength can also come from knowing how and when to bend or sway or bow or breath deeply. Strength doesn’t always come from a sword ora staff, and as we’ve seen from the Snow Tiger/Dragon combo, it can be very destructive even when applied to the good.

I have to say that I’m most comfortable being direct. Sometimes I can soften it a bit and I usually refrain from being in someone’s face.

4) Moirin does not seem to mind Bao’s jealousy. What do you think of their possible future as a couple?

Well, as Bao pointed out, it’s like being jealous of the Moon’s beauty or some such thing he said. Moirin’s been a Queen’s companion and now she’s an Empress’s companion and, as someone could argue, she’s a dragon’s lover in an odd menage a troi. So, yeah, being jealous of that is wasted energy.

I don’t recall how long they last as a couple but I do think they will both be better for having had the relationship.

5) Do you think they acted wisely against Lord Jiang’s men at the temple? Can you see any other decision they should have taken?

Wisely? That’s tough to say. There were too many of them, armed and armored, to have a good chance of success without the dragon. Also, I like Moirin and Bao don’t think Jiang’s men would have left the monks alive if Snow Tiger had agreed to go with them quietly. They had no save retreat. I really feel they were forced into a corner. Was it wise? Perhaps not. However, it was necessary.

Other Tidbts:

I think Master Lo Feng is quite aware of Moirin’s role as Jehanne’s companion.

I love the animalistic qualities to the dragon’s personality – he’s really living in the moment most of the time, not thinking beyond it. His madness when he can’t see his reflection is an extreme of that, but we see it with his protectiveness/possessiveness of Moirin as well.

Bao meeting the kid he rejected! That was a tense scene! Though I am glad Ten Tigers Die decided to join the party to free Snow Tiger and save dragon and realm all in one magnificent adventure.

We also have a Goodreads Group started for SF/F Read Alongs in general, and there is a specific folder for this read along. You are welcome to follow the fun there as well. If you want to be on the weekly email, just leave me a comment or shoot me an email with NAAMAH’S KISS in the subject (nrlymrtl@gmail.com).

The read along continues withNaamah’s Kiss, Book 1 of Moirin’s trilogy! Everyone is welcome to join in. Here is the SCHEDULE for the read along.

This week, I am your host. Sorry for posting late – I started the New Year off with a cold and my blogging has been off and on this past week. We’re covering Chapters 49-60, so be prepared for spoilers below!

1) Moirin and the Circle do one final summoning. What did you think of Folkolor’s choices in who to spare or not? King Daniel also has to make some choices in who to punish or not – do you think he was fair? Is he correct in that he should have given his people something greater to strive for?

It was very interesting that Folkolor spared those who were in it for love of one kind or another – love of the art or metallurgy, etc. I think Elua’s grace must have been holding Folkolor back… or perhaps that demon of so long ago that Imri & Sidonie freed must have warned the spirit realm of meddling with D’Angelines when it comes to love.

I think King Daniel had his hands tied by the law. He admitted that they broke no law so really he could only punish the poet by relieving her of her royal job. I do think Raphael needs some punishing but I’m not sure whose role it is to do so.

And, yes, I do think King Daniel could be giving his people something bigger to look up to or out towards. They could be exploring Terra Nova or the night skies or archaeological digs in distant deserts. It’s not too late for him to set that in motion.

2) Master Lo is summoned home to Ch’in to do what he can for the Emperor’s daughter Snow Tiger. What do you think of her ailment? What role, if any, do you expect Moirin to play in healing her?

I really don’t recall how this plays out. Perhaps Moirin is just there to learn for future dealings with the possessed (as there have been a few hints now that perhaps Raphael is possessed by Folkolor). Perhaps the D’Angeline snow drops can be made into a demon-battling tonic and not just an aphrodisiac. Perhaps Moirin will be able to call the twilight and see what kind of demon possesses Snow Tiger (since she saw all the Circle’s demons differently than they did) and that info will be of great use to Master Lo.

3) We learn more about Bao’s past. Do you like him any more or any less now? We also hear some amazing things about Master Lo. Do you think any of them are true?

Bao is definitely a more complex character. He did walk away from committing a horrible crime against a kid but he also didn’t do anything to protect that kid from the next asshole to come along who would take advantage of the situation. I love how he sees to Master Lo’s needs and I like how attentive he is to the ladies.

Master Lo is certainly old but I don’t think he’s 170 years old. It will be interesting to see him at the Ch’in court and see what others have to say about him.

4) During the lengthy voyage, Moirin has language lessons, learns a bit about the Ch’in religions, and enjoys Bao’s attentions. What stood out for you?

I loved the bit about how to properly pronounce Bao’s name. I can only imagine how it must sound in his head when some D’Angeline used his name and yet had it just a smidge off so they were addressing him as Womb.

I thought it was amusing how the other ladies wanted to give Moirin a make over and also how Bao approved her politely turning them down.

The story of the Yama Kings was intriguing. It makes me want to go learn more about Ch’in afterlives.

5) They finally make land right into the middle of a civil war. What do you think about Black Sleeve? What do you think his relationship to Master Lo is?

It was all very exciting and rushed, wasn’t it? I loved the Bag of Wind and the beautiful cloudy fabric they unfurled. I’m not sure yet what to make of Black Sleeve. On one hand, he sounds pretty ruthless and Bao and Master Lo definitely fear him and respect the power of his canon. But on the other hand, their own Emperor’s guards were rather ruthless in abandoning the ships and all those who didn’t have horses to flee with them. Still, perhaps there really wasn’t anything else that could have been done there.

Master Lo said Black Sleeve wasn’t his pupil so perhaps a relative? Perhaps they both trained under the same master at one point (Lo when he was younger and Black Sleeve more recently)? I really forget what their connection is.

Other Tidbts:

The Lady of Marsilikos wasn’t very nice or fair, now was she? Now that we’ve left D’Angeline shores, I really feel this Terre D’Ange is different from the gracious one that existed during Phedre’s time. It had it’s flaws, but I feel this current D’Angeline culture is a little high and mighty, a little in love with gossip, and a bit self-absorbed.

I love that Moirin is hesitant to pray to a deity not her own. Phedre was always willing to pay respects to any deity she may have come across but I like that Moirin is different in this regard. Also, her hesitancy isn’t out of some vain idea that her deities are better, but simply because they have claimed her as their own and she doesn’t want to offend anyone, her deities or someone else’s.

We also have a Goodreads Group started for SF/F Read Alongs in general, and there is a specific folder for this read along. You are welcome to follow the fun there as well. If you want to be on the weekly email, just leave me a comment or shoot me an email with NAAMAH’S KISS in the subject (nrlymrtl@gmail.com).